... http://e23.sjgames.com/item.html?id=SJG30-3318]Is now available on e23.

Just thought folks might like to know.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

I have been asked repeatedly by many to post the build for Namoru Hayataki, my signature toon, a MA/SR Scrapper. This is his current build, which I am referring to as the "Storm God" build, in reference to his current Incarnate persona.
Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.90
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Namoru Hayataki: Level 50 Natural Scrapper
Primary Power Set: Martial Arts
Secondary Power Set: Super Reflexes
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Medicine
Power Pool: Concealment
Ancillary Pool: Body Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Storm Kick

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Accuracy/Damage: Level 35
  
• (13) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance: Level 35
  
• (15) Kinetic Combat - Knockdown Bonus: Level 35
  
• (15) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Recharge: Level 35
  
• (17) Kinetic Combat - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 35
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 50
  
• (3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (5) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (17) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 50
  
• (3) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (5) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (29) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
  
• (11) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff: Level 50
  
• (7) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (7) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Recharge/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (29) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - Recharge/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (33) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (40) Gaussian's Synchronized Fire-Control - Chance for Build Up: Level 50
  

• (A) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage: Level 40
  
• (9) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (9) Touch of Death - Damage/Recharge: Level 40
  
• (11) Touch of Death - Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 40
  
• (13) Touch of Death - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance: Level 40
  
• (34) Touch of Death - Chance of Damage(Negative): Level 40
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 50
  
• (19) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (21) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (25) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Razzle Dazzle - Chance of Immobilize: Level 30
  

• (A) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
  
• (19) Defense Buff IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Steadfast Protection - Resistance/+Def 3%: Level 30
  
• (23) Gladiator's Armor - TP Protection +3% Def (All): Level 50
  

• (A) Red Fortune - Defense: Level 50
  
• (25) Red Fortune - Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (27) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (31) Red Fortune - Endurance: Level 50
  
• (39) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (39) Red Fortune - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  

• (A) Interrupt Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 50
  
• (31) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (37) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (37) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  

• (A) Healing IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage: Level 50
  
• (33) Mako's Bite - Damage/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (33) Mako's Bite - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (34) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (40) Mako's Bite - Accuracy/Damage/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (43) Mako's Bite - Chance of Damage(Lethal): Level 50
  

• (A) Luck of the Gambler - Recharge Speed: Level 50
  
• (36) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (36) Luck of the Gambler - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (39) Luck of the Gambler - Defense: Level 50
  

• (A) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (40) Red Fortune - Defense/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (43) Red Fortune - Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (45) Red Fortune - Defense/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (45) Red Fortune - Defense: Level 50
  
• (50) Red Fortune - Endurance: Level 50
  

• (A) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff: Level 21
  
• (42) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (42) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (42) Adjusted Targeting - To Hit Buff/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (43) Adjusted Targeting - Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  

• (A) Regenerative Tissue - +Regeneration: Level 30
  
• (46) Miracle - +Recovery: Level 40
  
• (50) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50
  

• (A) Ragnarok - Damage: Level 50
  
• (48) Ragnarok - Damage/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (48) Ragnarok - Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (48) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (50) Ragnarok - Accuracy/Damage/Recharge: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Kinetic Combat - Knockdown Bonus: Level 35
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Recharge Reduction IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Run Speed IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Jumping IO: Level 50
  

• (A) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance: Level 50
  
• (34) Numina's Convalescence - Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (36) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (37) Numina's Convalescence - Heal/Endurance/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (45) Numina's Convalescence - Heal: Level 50
  
• (46) Numina's Convalescence - +Regeneration/+Recovery: Level 50
  

• (A) Performance Shifter - EndMod: Level 50
  
• (21) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (23) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (27) Performance Shifter - Accuracy/Recharge: Level 50
  
• (31) Performance Shifter - EndMod/Accuracy: Level 50
  
• (46) Performance Shifter - Chance for +End: Level 50
  

• 16.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
  
• 16.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
  
• 12.88% Defense(Smashing)
  
• 12.88% Defense(Lethal)
  
• 8.813% Defense(Fire)
  
• 8.813% Defense(Cold)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Energy)
  
• 13.5% Defense(Negative)
  
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
  
• 14.13% Defense(Melee)
  
• 21% Defense(Ranged)
  
• 11.63% Defense(AoE)
  
• 62.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 6% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• 60% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 15% FlySpeed
  
• 210.83 HP (15.75%) HitPoints
  
• 15% JumpHeight
  
• 15% JumpSpeed
  
• MezResist(Held) 9.35%
  
• MezResist(Immobilize) 13.2%
  
• 9% (0.15 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 62% (3.466 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 5.04% Resistance(Fire)
  
• 5.04% Resistance(Cold)
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Energy)
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Negative)
  
• 15% RunSpeed
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
  
• 20.08 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 3.75% Defense(Smashing,Lethal), 1.875% Defense(Melee)
  
• 5% RunSpeed, 5% FlySpeed, 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight
  

• 10% (0.559 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15.06 HP (1.125%) HitPoints
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 10% (0.559 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15.06 HP (1.125%) HitPoints
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
  
• 25.1 HP (1.874%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.042 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
  
• 2.5% Defense(Melee), 1.25% Defense(Lethal), 1.25% Defense(Smashing), 2.5% Defense(Ranged), 1.25% Defense(Energy), 1.25% Defense(Negative), 2.5% Defense(AoE), 1.25% Defense(Fire), 1.25% Defense(Cold)
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.75%
  
• 20.08 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
  
• MezResist(Held) 2.75%
  
• 3.75% Defense(Melee), 1.875% Defense(Lethal), 1.875% Defense(Smashing)
  

• 10% (0.559 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15.06 HP (1.125%) HitPoints
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 3% Defense(All)
  

• 3% Defense(All)
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(All)
  
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 2.5% Defense(Ranged), 1.25% Defense(Energy), 1.25% Defense(Negative)
  

• 10% (0.559 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15.06 HP (1.125%) HitPoints
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 3.3%
  
• 20.08 HP (1.5%) HitPoints
  
• 3% DamageBuff(All)
  
• MezResist(Held) 3.3%
  
• 3.75% Defense(Ranged), 1.875% Defense(Energy), 1.875% Defense(Negative)
  

• 10% (0.559 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 15.06 HP (1.125%) HitPoints
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 7.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• MezResist(Immobilize) 2.2%
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
  
• 2% DamageBuff(All)
  
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  
• 2.5% Defense(Ranged), 1.25% Defense(Energy), 1.25% Defense(Negative)
  

• 2% DamageBuff(All)
  
• 1.26% Resistance(Energy,Negative)
  
• 9% Enhancement(Accuracy) (Exceeded 5 Bonus Cap)
  
• 5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 4% (0.067 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 2.52% Resistance(Fire,Cold)
  
• 15% Enhancement(Accuracy)
  
• 10% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
  

• 12% (0.671 HP/sec) Regeneration
  
• 25.1 HP (1.874%) HitPoints
  
• 6% Enhancement(Heal)
  
• MezResist(Held) 3.3%
  
• 3.75% Defense(Ranged), 1.875% Defense(Energy), 1.875% Defense(Negative)
  

• 5% JumpSpeed, 5% JumpHeight, 5% FlySpeed, 5% RunSpeed
  
• 25.1 HP (1.874%) HitPoints
  
• 2.5% (0.042 End/sec) Recovery
  
• 2.5% DamageBuff(All)
  
• 3.125% Defense(AoE), 1.563% Defense(Fire), 1.563% Defense(Cold)
  

Well, it can make an Antikythera Mechanism, for one...
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.

Since there are a bunch of other space-geeks around here I'd thought I share this gem of an independent film series, http://vodo.net/pioneerone]Pioneer One. The full synopsis:

Pioneer One Wrote:An object from space spreads radiation over North America. Fearing terrorism, U.S. Homeland Security agents are dispatched to investigate and contain the damage. What they discover is a forgotten relic of the old Soviet space program whose return to Earth will have implications for the entire world.

I will keep this as spoiler free as I can.
I just got back from seeing it, and I'm very happy.
They did a very good job explaining/showing the general setting and character motivations.
I was disappointed in the origins for

Spoiler

, and the sometimes over the top good/evil color code-ing.

But I was pleasantly surprised with how they side stepped the heroic return of

Spoiler

, though this does leave the door open for a sequel. But if that is done with as much love as they did this movie, I have no problems with Tron #3.

The only technical problem I had, was that young Jeff Bridges sat firmly in the uncanny valley. Otherwise, fantastic special effects.

All in all, it's a good movie. If you liked the original, you'll love this.

There was a password discussion over on the FFML and Lately I've been seen several articles not just about Gawker, but other companies being compromised for the password list. This probably isn't any relation, but if you have a habit of using a single passworkd at several sites or use some the passwords listed in the article below you might want to change some passwords.

Gawker Hack Exposes Ridiculous Password Habits

http://www.pcworld.com/ar...s.html?tk=nl_dnx_h_crawl

I've seen most of the passwords mentioned in the above article before, but from my own personal experience repairing, rebuilding or salvaging computers I'd add in "King", Queen", "god" and "boss". Teachers seem to like these four.

My personal advice I give to my friends is to pick complex passwords and make sure to write them down and keep them.

I also tell them to always assume I or any other tech they leave their computer with will be able to recover all the passwords they use so CHANGE THEM! after each visit to the repair shop.

Usually if their private stuff like address books, billfolds, purses or diary has been stolen or even gone through they will notice and have time to change passwords, especially if they follow my second bit of advice below.

You don't have to make it obvious it's passwords you have written down, for example pick complex passwords that look like contact information that contains such things as names, birth dates, meeting dates, meeting place, and company affiliations then have your own private mental hash pattern that builds the actual password from what was written down. One example I usually give is the extremely simple hash pattern of picking every 4th character making sure to include spaces, dashes, numbers and any other special characters in the generated password.

The passwords generated this way aren't perfect, but they are better than what would usually be used.

howard melton

god bless

Would anyone happen to know where I could find the third Full Metal Panic novel, Into The Blue, for a reasonable* price?  I can't seem to find it anywhere for under $200, so I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.  Thanks.
*reasonable=
-----
Stand between the Silver Crystal and the Golden Sea.
"Youngsters these days just have no appreciation for the magnificence of the legendary cucumber."  --Krityan Elder, Tales of Vesperia.

My Net connection was dead all day, starting at about 2 in the morning, and it just came back in the last hour some time.
Of course, I was away from the computer when it came back, so the time-sensitive stuff I needed to do on the Net didn't get done before 5 Eastern.  Grrrr.
If I vanish again for a big block of hours, it went out again. 
I have a Comcast tech coming tomorrow afternoon to troubleshoot the damned thing.  Let's hope he finds it.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.

I wonder what Doug's powers would do with the hymn My Life Flows On in Endless Song:

Quote:My life flows on in endless song
Above Earth's lamentation;
I hear the real though far-off hymn
That hails a new Creation!
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing!
It sounds an echo in my soul;
How can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest 'round me roars,
I know the truth, it liveth.
What though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love prevails in heav'n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble as they hear
the bells of freedom ringing,
When friends rejoice, both far and near,
How can I keep from singing?
To prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging;
When friends by shame are undefiled,
How can I keep from singing?

An actual almost word-for-word transcript of a call I took yesterday at work.
***
Me: Spokane Dispatch, how may I help you?
Caller: Who is this and why were you calling my girl?!
Me: This is Spokane dispatch for Spokane Cab?
Caller: Don't lie to me, asshole. Why were you callin' her?
Me: Sir, this is a business. Did she order a cab, possibly?
Caller: Now tell me the truth, damn it. How long has this been going on between you two?
Me: Sir, we're a dispatch service for a cab company.
Caller: I told you to stop lying to me! Because I am seriously pissed off right now!
Me: Sir, like I said, we're a business. This is not anyone's personal number.
Caller: You think this is funny? Who the hell is this? Why the hell were you calling her?
Me: Sir, this is a dispatch office. We don't call anyone. People call *us*. Good-bye. *hangs up*
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."